SPONSORSHIP

For entry into the Royal Navy as an officer you need a good educational background with 180 UCAS points or more (2 A-levels or equivalent). Many officers now join as graduates, though by no means all. Not all courses and qualifications, especially those at BTEC or of a more vocational nature, are suitable for inclusion within this 180 points total. Therefore candidates should seek guidance through their Naval Careers Adviser.Education is not all we look for though – personal qualities of potential leadership, initiative and management are just as important.

If you’re interested in a career as an officer in the Royal Navy and want to achieve as much as you can, our sponsorship schemes give you the chance to get financial assistance or earn a wage while you study.

A-Level Sponsorship Opportunities

Sixth Form Scholarship Scheme

If you are a student in Year 11 or 12 you can apply for one of our Sixth Form scholarships of £1,050 a year. You will also get the chance to experience Naval life before you start training, for example by sampling life at sea as the guest of the wardroom of a ship. If you are successful in gaining a scholarship you are also free to apply for university sponsorship.

Welbeck College

Those with aspirations to join the Royal Navy as an Engineer could study at the Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC), Welbeck, near Loughborough. This is a purpose built sixth form college, with on-site, en suite boarding accommodation, and boasts some of the country’s finest, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. You will study alongside other students pursuing careers in the Armed Forces and MOD Civil Service.

If you’re thinking of going to university or are already studying for a degree you could consider applying for one of our degree sponsorship schemes. There are 3 bursary schemes available, the Standard Bursary, the Technical Bursary and the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme, or you might apply for a University Cadetship.

Bursary Schemes

As a bursar you will remain a civilian while studying but will be expected to spend part of your vacations getting to know the Service. You can apply for a bursary either before you start university or at any time during your course.

Standard and Technical Bursaries

Standard Bursaries are available to those wishing to join the Warfare, Logistics or Fleet Air Arm branches, to assist with the costs of studying any subject at any UK university. The bursary is currently worth £1,500 per year.

Technical Bursaries are available to those studying for an accredited engineering degree who wish to be an Engineer Officer on joining, and is £4,000 per year at present.

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)

This Scheme is also for those wishing the join the Royal Navy as Engineer Officers. Approximately 30 students each year are sponsored to read accredited engineering degrees at the Universities of Southampton, Newcastle upon Tyne, Aston, Birmingham, Loughborough and Northumbria.
Financial support of £5,500 per year is available for members of the DTUS Scheme.

Medical and dental cadetships are available to students on accredited degree courses for their last 3 years of study. You are paid a substantial salary for each year:

1st year £13,296

2nd year £14,597

3rd year £16,625

Please note: All these sponsorship schemes require a certain period of service within the Royal Navy as part of their terms and conditions. Anyone receiving any assistance under any of these Schemes who then does not join the Royal Navy, or who leaves before the period of service is complete, may be required to repay some or all of the money they received. For further details, please ask at your local Armed Forces Careers Office.